NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Ibukun Awosika is an African entrepreneur, author, international leader and global culture shaper.

She is the founder of The Chair Centre Group, a leading furniture and security systems provider in Nigeria. She is the founder of Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy, the convener of The International Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai, and also the founder of the Christian Missionary Fund, a faith-based organization spread across Nigeria to change lives.

She has an undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Ife Nigeria, and advanced degrees from various global institutions, including Lagos Business School, IESE Business School, Wharton and China European International Business School (CEIBS).

She serves as chairman or board member on various corporate and non-profit boards around the world, across education, energy, IT, manufacturing, retail, financial services, corporate governance and advocacy.

She is a woman of many firsts; she is the first chairperson of the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing, the first female chairperson of Nigeria’s Premier Bank, First Bank, the first Nigerian recipient of the prestigious International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Award, and the first African recipient of the International Friendship Award 2019 by the Queen of Spain.

She is committed to serving nations, was recently appointed to the UK G7 impact Taskforce, a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and served on the pioneer board of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Her recent recognitions include the 2020 Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award, and the Beta Gama Signa 2020 Business Achievement Award. She is a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative and Aspen Global Leadership Network, and a recipient of four Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

She is happily married to Abiodun Awosika and they are blessed with three wonderful sons.